Co-op Story

SolarShare is a non-profit cooperative with the mission:

"To grow community-based solar electricity generation in Ontario by engaging citizens in projects that offer tangible financial, social and environmental returns"

SolarShare was created by TREC Renewable Energy Co-op in January 2010 in order to purchase, own and operate solar PV installations across the province. Through SolarShare’s co-operative model, Ontario residents can now enjoy financial, environmental, and social benefits from commercial-scale solar PV installations. With the introduction of Ontario's Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program, TREC saw an opportunity for individual Ontario residents to benefit from these incentives by investing in a co-op that develops renewable energy projects. 

Co-operatives in Europe have flourished under their own FIT programs, and TREC already had experience in launching a renewable energy co-op here in Ontario. In 2002, TREC incubated WindShare, a co-op that owns 50% of the wind turbine at Exhibition Place in Toronto. Based on these past experiences, and with a significant amount of research into solar PV systems, technology and project development, TREC incorporated SolarShare in early 2010 and had all 18 projects completed by July, 2011. 

To become a member and invest in Community Solar Bonds, click here.

The TREC SolarShare team at the Waterview project in mississauga

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